Something changed in 2008. For maybe the first recession in history, graduates struggled to find work. The most recent economic downturn put executives and new graduates out of work and reduced the number of employment opportunities for new graduates too. It was no longer enough to have a degree. Employers were looking for specific universities based on quality of teaching and reputation. That attitude is still around today, so what are the most attractive universities?
Imperial College London
Surprisingly, ICL came out on top of the pile for graduate employability. On average, graduates from this prestigious Russell Group University were in work six months after graduation and generally in preferred fields. Although a degree puts graduates in good stead, some measure the mark of success by whether they are able to obtain worked they are qualified for and that which they want. Their rating was 90.1
Cambridge and Oxford
The two most prestigious and famous universities in the world have a slightly lower chance than Imperial College, according to the recent guide, of being in relevant work 6 months after graduation. These two academic institutions take second and third place. On a scale of 0-100 based on graduate prospects, Cambridge scored 89.6 and Oxford scored 87.6.
Birmingham
With a score of 86.5, the midlands academic establishment beat more famous universities such as Bath, Durham and Manchester. It is a rising force in British academia. Ranked around the middle teen parts for teaching and research quality, it is perhaps a surprise addition to the top 10 list of employable universities. The Vice Chancellor of the University appeared unsurprised, saying it was just as important to prepare students for the future workplace.
Bath
Finishing the top 5 is the long-standing and well-known university in the historic spa city of Bath. With campuses outside of the city, it is a well-known brand. It is not a Russell Group University, but was once part of the new defunct 1994 Group. Although the university was founded in 1966, it can trace its spiritual roots as far back as the founding of the Technical College in the 19th century. It scored 84.9 on the employability scale.
The Rest of the Top 10
The remainder of the top 10 included just one Scottish university. This was Robert Gordon in 8th place. 6th is King’s College London. 7th place is University of Sussex. Other old universities Durham and Lancaster completed the top 10.
But What About the Lowest?
Since 2008, students have begun to ask questions about the quality of their degrees. The report also highlighted the lowest 10 universities for student employability. They were as follows: East London (45.5), London Met (47.4), University for the Creative Arts in Farnham (51.1), Liverpool Hope (54.1) and Southampton Solent (54.6) to complete the top 5. 6th to 10th place were Bath Spa, Newman, Westminster, UC Suffolk and Gloucestershire.